Ground turkey and pasta casserole

Whip up a comforting Ground Turkey and Pasta Casserole with this easy-to-follow recipe. Featuring tender ground turkey, hearty macaroni, and a blend of wholesome vegetables and aromatic spices like basil, oregano, and garlic. Topped with melty mozzarella and savory parmesan cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

  • 30 Jan 2025
  • Cook time 40 min
  • Prep time 15 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 16 Ingredients

Ground turkey and pasta casserole

Ground turkey and pasta casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that's perfect for a family dinner. It combines the rich flavors of ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and melty mozzarella cheese with the comforting texture of pasta, resulting in a wholesome meal. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

Ingredients:

1 cup onion
160g
1 cup carrots
130g
1 tbsp olive oil
14g
4 garlic cloves
12g
1 tsp dried basil
1.40g
1 tsp dried oregano
1.80g
1 tsp red pepper (spice)
0.32g
1 lb ground turkey
450g
3.50 cup chicken broth
840g
3 tbsp basil
16g
2 tbsp canned tomato paste
33g
1 tbsp vinegar
15g
12 oz macaroni
340g
2 cans canned tomatoes
850g
4 oz mozzarella cheese
110g
3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
16g

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
3. Cook Garlic and Spices:
- Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet.
- Stir and cook for an additional 1 minute, until the spices are fragrant.
4. Brown Ground Turkey:
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the turkey is browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Liquids and Tomato Paste:
- Pour in the 3.5 cups of chicken broth.
- Stir in the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
- Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Add Pasta and Tomatoes:
- Add the 12 ounces of macaroni pasta to the skillet.
- Pour in the 2 cans of diced tomatoes (including the liquid).
- Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is almost cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Add Fresh Basil and Cheese:
- Stir in the 3 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake:
- Transfer the skillet or Dutch oven to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Add Parmesan:
- After baking, remove from the oven and sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese over the top.
10. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Scoop portions onto plates and enjoy!

Tips:

- Use a large skillet or pot to ensure even cooking and sufficient space for all ingredients.

- For a deeper flavor, sauté the onions and carrots until they start to caramelize before adding the other ingredients.

- If you prefer more spice, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

- Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook when baked with the other ingredients, preventing it from becoming too mushy.

- Fresh basil can be used in place of dried basil for a more vibrant flavor.

- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking so it can set and is easier to serve.

This ground turkey and pasta casserole is a comforting and nutritious meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With a blend of savory turkey, rich tomatoes, and cheesy goodness, it's a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Enjoy this casserole on a cozy evening with family or friends and bask in the satisfying flavors of home-cooked goodness.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size750 grams
Energy
Calories 530kcal26%
Protein
Protein 50g33%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 40g12%
Fiber 10g27%
Sugar 12g12%
Fat
Fat 22g26%
Saturated 7g24%
Cholesterol 120mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 410ug45%
Choline 130mg23%
Vitamin B1 1.47mg122%
Vitamin B2 0.60mg46%
Vitamin B3 15mg91%
Vitamin B6 1.18mg69%
Vitamin B9 110ug27%
Vitamin B12 1.96ug82%
Vitamin C 36mg40%
Vitamin E 2.39mg16%
Vitamin K 36ug31%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 420mg32%
Copper, Cu 0.54mg60%
Iron, Fe 5mg46%
Magnesium, Mg 100mg24%
Phosphorus, P 620mg49%
Potassium, K 1280mg38%
Selenium, Se 60ug109%
Sodium, Na 920mg61%
Zinc, Zn 6mg52%
Water
Water 630g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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